Navigating UAE Labour Bans: Can I Work in a Free Zone with a Ban in Place?

I'm on a husband visa but have a one-year employment ban from my previous company. Is it possible for me to work with any free zone company in the UAE?

Understanding Labour Bans in UAE Free Zones

As per JAFZA, they recognize the labour ban, and a person with a labour ban cannot work with JAFZA companies unless the ban period is completed. Does the SAIF Zone recognize this labour ban the same way as JAFZA?

As far as I know, free zones are not governed under the Ministry of Labour; they have their own set of rules and regulations. Therefore, it allows candidates with a labor ban to work in free zone companies unless your previous company is from a free zone. We have hired candidates with a similar history, unless the rules have changed recently.

Regards,
Jessie Joy

I am not sure whether your previous company was also under JAFZA. If you have worked in JAFZA before and your previous company lifted a ban on you working in JAFZA, that would be relevant. Otherwise, as mentioned by Jessie, you can work in other free zones.

Hi Divya, now there are two different issues being mentioned by you:

1. Sponsorship under your spouse; and
2. Ban from labor.

Ban from MoL can only happen if the visa was issued by them. However, if you had continued to work while being under the sponsorship of your spouse, then no ban can be imposed by MoL. In such a case, maybe your previous employer is pulling a fast one on you. For your satisfaction, you can check the ban status from MoL.

Latest Update on Work Ban for Employees on Dependent Visas

Please check the latest press release on Gulf News regarding employees on dependent visas (father/husband). It states that there will be a work ban on employees who have not completed the minimum required period, regardless of sponsorship. However, since free zone visas are not governed by the Ministry of Labor (MOL), employees with free zone visas can work for other companies under the MOL.

Regards,
Jessie Joy